Not sure what to make of today. The recovery didn't look like one based on merit and will be vulnerable to early morning weakness. The Russell 2000 went from trading range support to resistance as it finished with a bullish engulfing pattern. The strength of the pattern is weakened by the lack of oversold conditions. However, price action will always be dominant. A poor start will increase the probability for a retest of today's low.

Bears paid an early visit to Santa with a broad selling. The relative loss was minor, although volume climbed to register confirmed distribution. The Nasdaq delivered on the 'bear flag' breakdown, which will give shorts something to work with.  The index finished on its 20-day MA. but this hasn't played as support in recent months.

Not a whole lot to add to Friday's action. The only index to make ground was the Russell 2000: it's working toward a challenge of the November peak as part of a double bottom at 1,155.

Getting back up to speed after a head cold. Not a whole lot to report, despite the roller coaster ride in European markets yesterday. The S&P is primed to push to new highs, yesterday's doji left it pressuring resistance.

Yesterday had looked like markets were about to kickstart a move lower, but today put paid to that. Today has the appearance of panic buying, with traders not wanting to be left out of any opportunity to 'buy the dip'. The Dow went as far as to finish with a new closing high.

It has been a while, but markets had their first day of distribution in weeks. The selling didn't clock up big percentage losses, although the Russell 2000 suffered the worst of the selling. There was still a case of post-holiday trading volume, but many indices are looking at 'bearish evening star' set ups. The Russell 2000 is just a shade above its 200-day MA, and probably a day away from the first Fib retracement.

It's unlikely we will be seeing much action over the next few days. I have memories of Thanksgiving Friday been good for bulls, but with holiday trading anything can happen. The index most likely to enjoy a good holiday break is the Russell 2000.